Clinical mental health counseling programs in florida

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Overview

Program Admission

• University Requirements
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accepted institutional accreditor, or its equivalent from a foreign institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all work attempted in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study.
  • Transcripts, and foreign evaluations if applicable, from all post-secondary institutions attended. Admitted students will be prompted to provide official copies. 
• Program Requirements
  • Resume
  • Letter of intent
    • Describe reasons for seeking admission to the CMHC program
    • Short and long term educational, research and professional goals
  • Three recommendation forms
    • Preferably at least one from a university faculty members
    • Recommenders are required to complete the rating form and may also submit a letter if they choose (they will receive an email with instructions)
  • A personal interview will be required for the top competitive candidates
    • Applicants will be contacted by the CMHC program directly if selected to participate in the interview process

Updated April 28, 2021 | Staff Writers

Are you ready to find your fit?

The road to becoming a counselor is neither easy nor short. However, most professional counselors consider this path a worthy challenge. Counselors work with people who need guidance: individuals with anxiety or depression, children with behavioral problems in school, adults addicted to harmful substances, and college students preparing to start their professional lives. Helping people overcome their struggles can certainly contribute to a fulfilling career. 

The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling determines state licensure requirements. Aspiring counselors each need a 60-credit master's degree accredited by the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. 

All of the Florida counseling degrees listed below hold accreditation needed for licensure. Each candidate must also complete two years of supervised post-master's experience, which includes 1,500 hours of face-to-face therapy with clients. Finally, an aspiring professional must pass a certification exam. 

Top 10 Counseling Degree Programs in Florida

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

Career Outlook for Counselors in Florida

Currently, about 19,000 Floridians work as educational, guidance, and vocational counselors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Florida ranks as the state with the fourth-highest employment for these professionals. Approximately 14,000 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in Florida, as well. 

Counselors in Florida can look forward to an optimistic future. For one, employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors may increase by nearly 29% from 2016-26, according to Projections Central, which uses data from the U.S. Labor Department. Educational, guidance, and vocational counselors received a projected job growth rate of about 18% in the same period. 

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn an annual mean wage of about $44,820. Educational, guidance, and vocational counselors make a bit more, with their average salaries reaching about $50,200.

Counseling Degree Programs in Florida

• Adrian Dominican School of Education

  Just a few short miles from the pristine beaches, Atlantic Ocean coastline, and Everglades in the thriving region of Miami Shores, Barry University is a private liberal arts institution rooted in the Catholic intellectual traditions for a well-rounded education. First founded in 1940 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters as the Barry College for Women, the university has since expanded to be a coeducational university focused on hands-on career preparation for its diverse community of more than 4,500 students. Within the Adrian Dominican School of Education (ADSOE), the Department of Counseling is committed to prepare compassionate, caring, ethical, and highly skilled professional counselors to work with a wide range of cultural populations.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in School Counseling

  For students who are interested in guidance counselor roles within the elementary or secondary school environment, the School Counseling program aims to provide the skills needed to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive developmental guidance programs for children of all ages from preschool to twelfth grade. Within the required 54 credit hours, students gain expertise in student services personnel, child therapy and guidance, family therapy, consultation procedures, exceptionality in learning, career development, life work planning, and human growth and development. Graduates from the program meet the requirements for certification in PK-12 Guidance and Counseling by the Florida Department of Education.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling

  Within the Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling program, students are educated to become qualified counselors with systemic theories and practices for future therapeutic work with couples and families. The rigorous curriculum of 63 total credits is designed to develop crucial clinical skills to help couples or families deal with relationship issues, life cycle transitions, developmental crises, and other common family living problems. After successfully completing the practicum and internship hours, graduates exceed the academic and clinical requirements to apply for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy in the state.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program intends to provide students with intensive training in the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of individuals who are dealing with various mental health problems. With a keen focus on individual, group, and family therapy techniques, the program consists of 39 counseling core credits, 21 specialization credits, a counseling practicum experience, and a counseling internship to satisfy all requirements for licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. Students can also decide to enroll in a dual specialization with Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling to become eligible for licensure in both fields.

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling

  Aligned to meet the highest training standards within the counseling profession, the Ph.D. in Counseling program was the first doctoral program in South Florida to become accredited by the CACREP. Designed to inspire students' vision and passion for leadership in the counseling profession, the program is committed to educating students to excel as clinical practitioners, educators, and researchers. For successful completion, students are required to complete 18 credits in counseling core courses, 12 credits in family therapy cognates, 9 credits in advanced research methods, 9 credits in clinical supervised internships, and 6 credits in dissertation.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  11300 NE 2nd Avenue
  Miami Shores, FL 33161
  (305) 899-3100
  

• Florida Atlantic University

  College of Education

  With a reputation as one of the top research institutions with high research activity by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Florida Atlantic University is a public university with seven campuses situated along 150 miles of Florida's gorgeous southeastern coastline. Serving a record high study body of 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, FAU has been ranked as the 201st best research university in the nation and 133rd best college in the South by Forbes magazine. The nationally acclaimed FAU College of Education has also been distinguished as the 161st best education school in the country by the U.S. News and World Report.

  Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling

  The Master of Education with a concentration in School Counseling program is geared for students who are seeking certification as guidance counselors in K-12 elementary and secondary school settings. Focused on preparing counselors to implement comprehensive school counseling programs based on research and national standards, the curriculum is strongly based on early intervention, child and adolescent development, individual or group counseling, classroom guidance, career awareness, anger management, conflict resolution, and violence prevention. Along with the required 60 credits of coursework, students actively participate in a culminating application of knowledge in a practicum and full-time internship.

  Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program aims to prepare qualified counseling professionals to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in Florida to serve in various clinical settings, such as psychiatric centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, domestic violence agencies, mental health clinics, marriage and family counseling centers, and university career counseling programs. With a strong emphasis on counseling individuals, families, and groups, the program consists of a minimum of 60 credit hours in foundational counseling theories and 1,000 hours of advanced practicum and internship experience.

  Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Rehabilitation Counseling

  The M.Ed. in Counselor Education with a specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling takes on an interdisciplinary approach to train professional rehabilitation counselors to serve persons with disabilities in either the public or private sector. The program intends to prepare students for professional roles in leadership, administration, direct clinical service, private practice, and even forensic practice. After successful completion of the required 60 credits and internship hours, graduates are eligible to apply for national certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or Certificated Case Manager (CCM). Although the national average for passing these certification examinations is just 67 percent, FAU boasts a high pass rate of over 90 percent. Also, there is a dual program available for students who wish to seek licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida too.

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling

  Designed for students who have already completed a 60-hour master's degree in counseling and hold licensure or certification as a professional counselor, the Ph.D. in Counseling is a research-oriented degree that prepares graduates for assuming major leadership roles at the regional or national level of the counseling profession. Although the primary focus is on research, the program also aims to enhance students' clinical, consultation, supervisory, and training skills. Within the intensive and selective three-year full-time program, students can choose to specialize their degree in School Counseling Outcome Research; Children Adolescent, Couples, and Family Intervention; or Optimizing Human Development and Health.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  ED Building 47 Room 467
  777 Glades Road
  Boca Raton, FL 33431
  (561) 297-3625
  

• Florida Gulf Coast University

  College of Education

  Located on a 760-acre campus of restored wetlands in Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public higher education institution that recruits its more than 12,150 students from across the nation with career-relevant training and intimate class sizes. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report survey from 2014 ranks FGCU as being the 79th best university and 37th top public school in the South. With a long and rich history of preparing high-quality teaching and counseling professionals, the FGCU College of Education is home to stellar faculty members who are committed to preparing qualified candidates to serve in diverse communities.

  Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program covers a strong curriculum based in the areas of human development, legal and ethical issues in counseling, career development, appraisal methods, intervention strategies, counseling theories, practicum and internship, research, and program evaluation. The program is designed for students wishing to work in social services, government agencies, hospitals, community organizations, and private clinical practices. For graduation with the specialized master's degree, students must fulfill a minimum of 60 credits, earn a B or higher in all core courses, achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and complete a culminating special practicum project.

  Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling

  Built on a research-practitioner approach that integrates the use of current technology, supervised school field experiences, research inquiry, and foundational theories, the School Counseling program enables students to pursue either a Master of Arts or Master of Education degree path. The M.A. program requires 57 credits and begins in the fall semester, but the M.Ed. program consists of 48 credits and beings on a cohort basis during the spring semester. Since the M.Ed. degree is designed for students with prior training as teachers, those without this undergraduate training will be required to complete extra coursework in classroom management, curriculum development, and instruction.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  10501 Florida Gulf Coast University Blvd. South
  Fort Myers, FL 33965
  (239) 590-7800
  

• Florida International University

  College of Education

  As the first and only public research university offering baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees in Miami, Florida International University has two main locations at the Modesto A. Maidique campus in Miami-Dade County and the Biscayne Bay campus in northern Miami. Designated as a top-tier research institution, FIU is among the top ten largest universities in the country with a combined student body of more than 50,000 students. With nearly 60 percent of enrolled students of Hispanic descent, the university is also one of the top granters of degrees to Hispanic undergraduates and graduates. Committed to producing competent teachers and counselors, the FIU College of Education has been nationally recognized as the 149th best graduate education school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  Through an integration of theory and practical applied experience, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program focuses on the development of skills in individual or group counseling, consultation, preventative mental health, client appraisal, and clinical intervention. Although the coursework usually consists of 60 total credits, students seeking admission with a bachelor's degree in a field other than psychology will be required to complete 9 additional credits of prerequisite psychology courses with a minimum grade of C prior to acceptance. All students are also required to actively participate in 400 hours of full-time practicum and 600 hours of full-time internship experience over the course of two consecutive semesters in the third year of study within an approved mental health counseling setting.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in School Counseling

  Offered exclusively to students who have passed the Florida Teacher Certification Examination and exceeded all certification requirements by the Florida State Department of Education, the School Counseling program aims to prepare individuals for professional counseling positions in the urban and multicultural schools of the surrounding Miami community. Students gain extensive experience with crisis counseling, counseling children and adolescents, counseling students with challenges, family-school collaboration, and vocational career counseling. In addition to 57 credit hours within the classroom, students must complete 400 hours of practicum and 600 hours of full-time internship within the two last semesters of the third final year.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  College of Education ZEB Building Room 310
  11200 SW 8th Street
  Miami, FL 33199
  (305) 348-3391
  

• College of Education

  As the oldest continuous site of higher learning in the state, Florida State University is an elite public research institution with a sprawling 448-acre campus in Tallahassee. Renowned around the world as one of the top public universities with a dynamic research presence, FSU has been recognized as the 91st best college and 40th top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Committed to hosting a vibrant and diverse community in the heart of the state's capital, Florida State is also ranked in the top ten for graduation rates of African American undergraduates and graduates as well as Hispanic graduate students. The FSU College of Education also stands out from the crowd as the 44th best graduate education school in the entire United States.

  Combined Master of Science and Educational Specialist (M.S./Ed.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  Within its unique Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Florida State offers students the ability to achieve a Master of Science and Educational Specialist degree concurrently. In addition to 72 course credits, students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of combined practicum, field experience, and internship in direct client contact in a mental health setting. All graduates from the accredited program are eligible for gaining licensure in Florida and other states of the nation as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Graduates from the program often go on for professional practice at community agencies, behavioral health care organizations, hospitals, military bases, hospice care, employee assistance programs, correctional facilities, substance abuse centers, and private practices.

  Combined Master of Science and Educational Specialist (M.S./Ed.S.) in Career Counseling

  As one of only eight programs in the nation of its kind, the combined M.S./Ed.S. Career Counseling program focuses on developing student skills in career advisement, college teaching, workshop and outreach presentation, program development, and other career counseling services. Within the required 72 credits of the two-year program, students gain extensive training and supervised work experience at the nationally recognized comprehensive FSU Career Center. Qualified students accepted into the program may be eligible to receive unique opportunities for paid graduate assistantships, tuition fee waivers, and designated fellowships to help cover the costs of gaining the degree as well.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  Stone Building Room 3206E
  1114 W. Call Street
  Tallahassee, FL 32306
  (850) 644-8776

• Hamilton Holt School of Professional Graduate Studies

  Bordering Lake Virginia on a lush 70-acre campus in the charming community of Winter Park just minutes from downtown Orlando, Rollins College is a comprehensive private institution nestled inside the arched doorways of Mediterranean-style buildings and beneath the Spanish moss. Transforming lives since opening its doors in 1885, Rollins is consistently ranked as the top college in Florida, best school in the South, and among the best value schools in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. In addition, Forbes magazine has recognized Rollins as the 59th best college in the south and 187th best public college in the country. Within the Hamilton Holt School of Professional Graduate Studies, students are offered the same high-quality education through convenient evening and weekend schedules to accommodate working adult learners from diverse professions.

  Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  Past winner of the Outstanding Graduate Program Award by the Association Counseling Association, the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is highly regarded for its interactive and experiential curriculum with small class sizes of 12 to 15 students for individualized instruction. Along with a strong emphasis on multiculturalism and social justice, the program aims to provide the clinical skills, practical experience, and ethical foundations to generate successful professional counselors. In accordance with the requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, the program requires successful completion of 60 course and clinical credits within three years full-time or four years part-time.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Association for Counselor Education of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  Hamilton Holt School Building Room 208
  1000 Holt Avenue
  Winter Park, FL 32789
  (407) 646-2232
  

• Department of Counselor Education

  Standing proudly on a vast 2,516-acre campus in DeLand that has been named on the National Register of Historic Places, Stetson University is a private comprehensive liberal arts institution located at the midway point between the popular attractions of Orlando and Daytona Beach. According to the 2014 edition of the U.S. News and World Report, Stetson has been distinguished as the 5th best college and 5th best value school in the South. Forbes magazine has also recognized the university with more than 3,850 students as the 67th best college in the South and 226th best private college in the entire nation. For the past five consecutive years, Stetson has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Role too. The SU Department of Counselor Education aims to provide quality learning experiences for students to grow both personally and professionally as qualified counseling practitioners.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to train therapists for positions as mental health counselors in community, state, federal, and private social service agencies. In order to ensure the best possible preparation, students are actively engaged in these mental health settings with 200 hours of practicum and 800 hours of internship experience. Throughout the intensive core curriculum, graduates are well-prepared to provide services in child and adolescent, family, employment, health, couple, gerontological, multicultural, substance abuse, mental illness, and health or wellness counseling. Graduates from the program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) examination.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

  With a strong foundation in the core curricula of professional identity, social diversity, human development, career development, group dynamics, helping relationships, assessment, and research evaluation, this program is aimed to prepare students for careers in marriage, couple, and family counseling. In order to successfully complete the program, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, fulfill 200 hours of practicum and 800 combined hours of internships, complete a written and oral defense of their portfolio, finish a Capstone project, and pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE). Many graduates go on to professional practice in public and private social service agencies, hospitals, businesses, churches, or private practices.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in School Counseling

  Designed to promote a family strength-focused approach of collaborative assessment and intervention model, the Master of Science in School Counseling program prepares school counselors for positions in public and private elementary, middle, or high schools. Along with the intensive curriculum in the classroom, students must actively participate in 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship experience within an approved school setting with expert practitioner supervision and direct counseling practice with children. Graduates who successfully complete all requirements will be eligible to obtain certification from the Florida Department of Education in school counseling and take the examination by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  421 N. Woodland Blvd. Unit 8289
  DeLand, Florida 32723
  (386) 822-7100
  

• Troy University - Southeast Region

  Department of Counseling and Psychology

  Troy University is one of the nation's leading universities in providing academic learning support services to active duty military soldiers and veterans. Not only has Troy been recognized as the 20th best college for veterans in the nation, it has been ranked as the 80th best college and 38th top public school in the South. Although the international university is based in Alabama, the Troy University Southeast Region includes Florida campuses in Pensacola, Panama City, Orlando, Tampa, and Ft. Walton. Within the Troy Southeast Department of Counseling and Psychology, the university endeavors to educate counseling professionals with knowledge of theory, application of counseling skills, understanding of pathological development, and expertise in treatment planning.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in Mental Health Counseling

  The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program seeks to prepare graduates who have an in-depth knowledge of professional ethics, strong counseling facilitation skills, understanding of a variety of intervention models, and an ability to work with diverse populations in a culturally sensitive manner. The 60-credit Master of Science program with 100 hours of practicum and 900 clinical hours of internship experience in an approved mental health setting is perfectly aligned with the educational standards for state licensure in Florida and nationwide. In order to successfully complete the program, students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) with an overall score of 60 percent correct.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  21 New Warrington Road
  Pensacola, FL 32506
  (850) 301-2154
  

• University of Central Florida

  College of Education and Human Performance

  As its name suggests, the University of Central Florida is a public comprehensive institution that is fittingly spread across the entire middle section of the state with ten regional campuses, including those in Orlando, Daytona Beach, Ocala, and South Lake. The U.S. News and World Report survey from 2014 has recognized UCF as the 170th best college, 94th top public school, 14th best up-and-coming school, and 41st best college for veterans in the entire nation. Not only is the UCF College of Education and Human Performance ranked as the 91st best graduate education school in the country, the Department of Counseling Education is also distinguished as having the 9th best graduate counseling programs in the United States.

  Master of Arts (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy

  The Marriage and Family Therapy Program prepares students to attain roles as marriage or family therapists in private practices, community social services agencies, and various other clinical health settings. The rigorous curriculum is focused on developing a sense of professional identity, requisite knowledge needed to work with couples or families, and skills necessary for attaining licensure in Florida to become leaders in the counseling profession. Students in the program are required to complete a minimum of 63 credit hours, including six credits of core courses, 45 credits in specialization courses, and 12 credits of professional clinical experience.

  Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mental Health Counseling

  Designed for students who are interested in working as mental health counselors in community mental health settings, institutions, hospitals, and private practices, the Mental Health Counseling program meets all requirements outlined by the Florida Department of Medical Quality Assurance for licensure in the state. Enrolled students are required to complete a minimum of 63 credit hours, which includes six credits in core courses, 39 credits in specialization courses, 12 credits in professional clinical internships, and six credits for a culminating thesis project in independent research study. Students will actively engage in 200 clinical practicum hours at the UCF Community Counseling Clinic and 900 internship hours at various field-based settings throughout Florida communities.

  Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling

  The School Counseling program leading to a Master of Arts or Master of Education degree prepares qualified individuals to become effective advocated for children, families, and communities in school environments. The M.A. program is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree without teacher certification, whereas the M.Ed. program is exclusively for students with a bachelor's degree in education and are certified educators in Florida. Students in either program are required to complete a minimum of 60 credits of master's level coursework, including nine credits in professional clinical experience and six credits in a thesis project.

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision

  Within the fully accredited Ph.D. program in Counselor Education and Supervision, students are given the preparation necessary to pursue careers as counselor educators in academia or supervisors in various social service agencies. The rigorous curriculum is designed to examine the fundamental issues of teaching in higher education, research, supervision, consultation, and training. The program is strongly based at the UCF Community Counseling Clinic, where students are involved from day one in providing services in child, adult, couple, and family counseling. For gaining the doctoral degree, students must complete 24 credits in core courses, 30 credits in specialization courses, 24 credits in dissertation, and six credits in internship.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  4000 Central Florida Blvd.
  Orlando, FL 32816
  (407) 823-3063
  

• University of North Florida

  College of Education and Human Services

  Located about 15 miles west of the stunning Atlantic coastline in Jacksonville, the University of North Florida is a comprehensive public institution that is considered among the elite providing a high-caliber education. The 2014 edition of the U.S. News and World Report ranked UNF as the 51st best college and 20th top public school in the South. In addition, the University of North Florida has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Best Value Public Colleges by the Princeton Review and it has been named one of the most military friendly schools in the United States by G.I. Jobs magazine for the fifth consecutive year. The UNF College of Education and Human Services, ranked as the 119th best graduate education school in the nation, is committed to building life-long learners who contribute positively to their community in an ever-evolving world.

  Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling (SOAR)

  The SOAR School Counseling Program aims to prepare counselors who have developed strong a wide range of basic counseling, relational, collaboration, leadership, cultural, reflective, and research skills to become qualified counselors in elementary and secondary school settings. Within an innovative cohort model of evening and weekend courses designed to accommodate working students, the 48-credit Master of Education degree involves seamlessly integrated field experienced for a total of 700 clock hours. Focused on knowledge and understanding for intervention practices in diverse urban school populations, the program stands out as an example of excellence for ensuring academic success for every Pre-K to 12th grade student.

  Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)

  Designed to fulfill all of the educational requirements for licensure in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program takes on a practitioner-oriented approach that requires a demanding 60 credits and 1,000 supervised hours before graduation. Through a perfect blend of coursework and practical experience, the program emphasizes opportunities to explore lifespan developmental, social interaction, cultural foundations of behavior, diagnostic assessment, psychotherapeutic practice, ethics, and professional integrity. Graduates from the program often find successful employment in mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, rehabilitation agencies, drug abuse treatment centers, and their own private practices.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
  • Florida Department of Education (FDOE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  Building 57 Room 3200
  1 University of Florida Drive
  Jacksonville, FL 32224
  (904) 620-2990
  

• University of South Florida

  College of Education

  Based in Tampa with regional campuses located in Sarasota and Lakeland, the University of South Florida is an elite research institution that has been classified as a university with very high research activity by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. According to the U.S. News and World Report, USF is currently ranked as the 170th best college, 94th top public school, 14th best up-and-coming school, and 41st best college for veterans. The USF College of Education is recognized as the 81st best graduate school of education with the 39th best graduate rehabilitation counseling program in the entire United States. Through exceptional teaching and mentoring, the College collaborates with community partners to prepare students to become service providers, professionals, scholars, and advocates who are committed to improving the quality of life, health, and education of diverse populations throughout Florida.

  Master of Arts (M.A.) in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

  The M.A. in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program offers students the freedom to choose either a thesis or non-thesis option. Students within the thesis program must complete a minimum of 60 hours of master's level coursework, along with an oral defense of the culminating thesis project. For those enrolled in the non-thesis program, students are required to complete a minimum of 54 credits in core courses and 10 elective hours above the 4000 level. Regardless of the program option, all students actively participate in real-world field placement experiences as a valuable bridge between theory learned within the walls of the classroom and practice gained in mental health settings for practicum and internship.

  Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Counseling

  For students interested in becoming counselors for employment in elementary, middle, and/or high schools throughout the state, the School Counseling program is designed to produce educationally oriented counselors with broad-based multidisciplinary backgrounds in the USF College of Education. Students are engaged in an interactive curriculum of 70 credits with coursework in counseling theories, career development, legal issues, assessment and appraisal, human development, human sexuality issues, classroom learning, school counseling accountability, and research methods in reading. The program requires students to complete a supervised internship for a minimum of 600 hours after successfully completed the practicum experiences. Graduates with the Master of Arts degree are eligible to apply for licensure as a Certified School Counselor in Florida.

  Master of Arts (M.A.) in Career Counseling and College Specialization

  The Master of Arts degree with a specialization in Career Counseling and College emphasizes the life-career development needs of individuals and groups throughout the diverse college population. Intended for students who foresee future employment at career centers at colleges and universities throughout Florida or beyond, the program leads students towards certification as a Certified Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association. Within the 52 credit hours, students learn from an intensive curriculum built on consultation, career program design, career development, personality theories, assessment, multicultural counseling, educational research, group theory, and online services in counseling. After completing required practicum hours, students move on to a supervised internship of 600 total clock hours in a variety of counseling and professional activities.

  Accreditations

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
  • Florida State Department of Education (FLDOE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

  Contact Information

  EDU Building 105 Room 380
  4202 East Fowler Avenue
  Tampa, FL 33620
  (813) 974-3515
  

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